Witnessing in

Communion
Easter Reflection 2019 (Year C)
 JESUS 4 EVERYONE
The slogan of the New Evangelisation in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
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2 3
4
5 6
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1 Jesus is depicted by the figure "J"

2 In Jesus we say "Yes"

3 It is "us" who encounter Jesus

The colour tone in the word "Jesus" shows a

4 movement from lukewarm (yellow/orange)
depicted by "us" to passionate (red) depicted by "Yes"

The yellow tone on the 3 strips moving into the red

5 tone shows another movement from lukewarmness
to passion after encountering Jesus

The 3 strips signify that by our baptism, we are

6 called to be priest, prophet, and king. We share in
the 3-fold mission of Jesus Christ.

"4" represents the four Tenets of the New

7 Evangelisation: Word, Worship, Communion and
Witness.
Table of Content
Easter Message 3
The Purpose of this booklet 4
How to use this booklet 4
Facilitating Group Reflection 6
Sundays of Easter (Year C) 7
Easter Sunday 8
Second Sunday of Easter 13
Third Sunday of Easter 19
Fourth Sunday of Easter 25
Fifth Sunday of Easter 30
Sixth Sunday of Easter 35
Seventh Sunday of Easter 40
Pentecost Sunday 45
Appendix - Activities 50
Acknowledgements 55
 Easter Message
2019
Dear sisters and brothers, Merry Easter.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, the Lord has truly risen.

The community of believers grew because they had encountered the
resurrected Lord. Their faith that died with his death was awakened
from the rubbles in a new life that Jesus promised. They never strayed
from their faith again. It was built on the bedrock of the resurrection.
As we read the Acts of the Apostles, we read how they were able to
endure persecutions without losing the faith again. They supported one
another in their desire to carry out the command of Jesus their Lord – to
love and to make his name known.
As you dive into the pages of this booklet, I hope you will begin to realise
the importance of being a community of believers who can support one
another to greater works for the Lord Jesus Christ. The temptation will
be to do that same thing as was done in the past. There is no future if we
remain in the past. The past should teach us something about moving
forward. Dwelling in the past for a period of time for this reason might
be good. However, we must push ourselves to go beyond the routine.
If we look at the first disciples of the Lord, it was only when they were
expelled from the synagogues that they were able to formulate new
ways of being a community and this new way propelled them to share
the message of Jesus Christ. Change can be frightening for some and
change can be interesting for others. Our present Pope invites us to go
beyond the routine of life to find new ways to bring Jesus to our already
busy and secularised world.
Easter peace and joy grows when it is shared with those who are waiting
for the Lord. Those who are waiting at times do not know how to express
this searching. If we are to live in this world as witnesses of the Lord,
we must listen to those waiting for the Lord even as we live the paschal
mystery in our lives.
May the Lord bless you with Easter peace, joy and love.

Rev. Fr Terence Pereira

Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation
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The Purpose of this Booklet
This resource is intended for families, RCIA groups, parish organisations
and ministries, small Christian communities and neighbourhood
Christian communities. It may also be used for individual reflection.
• To promote the Christian community in the neighbourhood as a
place where we can hear the word of God and put it into practice.
• To give participants an experience of community and a sense of their
mission by reaching out to neighbours and those in need.
• To gather parish organisations/ministries to pray together as one
and put Christ back in the centre.
• To increase communication between family members. Love should
be the main message in all communication, so the sessions are aimed
at families sharing stories, doing meaningful activities together,
sharing faith and being reconciled with each other.

How to use this booklet

These reflections may be used either (1) before participating in the
Sunday liturgy, as a way of preparation to receive God’s Word at Mass, or
(2) after participating in the liturgy as a continuation of ‘breaking open
the Word of God’ into our life.

In the spirit of generosity, group members volunteer beforehand to read

Scriptures and other parts of the text.

A different group facilitator can take the responsibility in each session

to foster good interaction and to keep time.

Someone should record the discussion in general terms and then email
it to the members who are absent.

The duration of each session is about two hours.

The time and place for the next meeting should be announced at the
end of each session.

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Session Format

Opening Prayer
Everyone will pray the opening prayer and sing an opening hymn to
foster a spirit of reflection and openness to God’s Word and each other.

Readings
The three scripture texts should be read at least twice, allowing some
time for a silent listening to the Word.

Then the passages are explained by the leader or group facilitator using
the given write up.

Thoughts
Someone reads this section which is meant to deepen our reflection on
the readings of the week. Allow adequate time for reflection.

Reflections
This section is designed with the different groups in mind. Select the
section relevant to your group or use the individual section if you
are doing it on your own. Reflect on the questions and allow time for
response.

Take Home
Discern how the Word of God is inviting us collectively or individually
to respond through concrete action(s).

Doing your bit

Your action to reach out or evangelise to another person to share the
Good News of Jesus.

Closing Prayer
The session ends with a prayer being prayed by everyone in the group.
Everyone will pray for each participant and then for the community.

Appendix: Activities
The appendix section contains activities that further enrich our spiritual
journey with our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.

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Facilitating Group Reflection
For where two or three meet in my name, I am there with them - Matthew 18:20
Be mindful of Christ’s presence. Adopt a humble and reverent manner
when speaking or acting within the group. Read the text meditatively
and give your best attention to the words of the Gospel readings.
May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you - John 17:21
Help everyone to feel at home and take special care to welcome
newcomers. Treat each person as a beloved member of the community
and invite one another to participate in the session by taking turns to
read the text. Use a language that everyone can understand so that no
one feels left out.
...and their great men make their authority felt. Among you this is not to
happen - Mark 10:42-43
Avoid being authoritative or domineering by acting aggressively,
flaunting knowledge, or telling others what to do. If there is advice to
be given, do so after the reflection is done. Choose words that are easily
understood by all when speaking. Avoid giving lengthy and verbose
sharing that consume other people’s opportunities to offer their sharing.
If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up
his cross every day and follow me - Luke 9:23
At the core of these reflections is the Word of God, the teaching of the
Church and the invitation for our conversion towards Christ. If the group
wanders away from this during the session, gently invite one another to
re-focus.
Because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should
say - Luke 12:12
There is no need to prepare sharing in advance or to appoint people
to share. Wait patiently for God’s Spirit to inspire generosity, and
remember to give thanks after someone volunteers to contribute their
own faith experience.
...your light must shine in people’s sight, so that, on seeing your good works,
they may give praise to your Father in heaven - Matthew 5:16
These reflections challenge us to do the will of God - to reflect the love of
Christ to others we meet. Spend some time at the start of the next group
session sharing with one another how each one has tried to do this over
the past week.
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 Sundays of Easter (Year C)
Witnessing in Communion

Week Readings Theme

Easter Sunday Acts of the Apostles 10:34, 37-43; Deepening the
Paschal Mystery
Colossians3:1-4;
John 20:1-9

Second Sunday Acts of the Apostles 5:12-16; Living the Paschal

of Easter Faith
Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19;
John 20:19-31

Third Sunday Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32, 40-41; Beyond Routine

of Easter Faith
Revelation 5:11-14;
John 21:1-19

Fourth Sunday Acts of the Apostles 13:14, 43-52; Guided by the Lord
of Easter in Community
Revelation 7:9, 14-17;
John 10:27-30

Fifth Sunday Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27; Witnessing

of Easter through Love
Revelation 21:1-5;
John 13:31-35

Sixth Sunday Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2, 22-29; Being One with
of Easter the Lord in
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23; Community
John 14:23-29

Seventh Sunday Acts of the Apostles 7:55-60; Living in the City

of Easter of God
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20;
John 17:20-26

Pentecost Sunday Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Submissive to the

Holy Spirit
Romans 8:8-17
John 14:15-16, 23-26

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 Easter Sunday
Deepening the
Paschal Mystery

Opening Prayer
O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have
conquered death and unlocked for us the path of eternity, grant, we pray,
that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may, through
the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. Through
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
[from the Collect of Easter Sunday]

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34, 37-43

Peter here proclaims the kerygma, about Jesus’ saving passion, death
and resurrection to a Roman centurion, Cornelius, and his relations and
close friends. This was the inauguration of the mission to the Gentiles
(non-Jews). Prior to this episode, Peter had the vision of the animals
in the big sheet coming down from heaven with the order to kill and
eat them. Peter refused saying that he has not eaten anything profane.
The voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you have no right
to call profane.” This vision was repeated three times and Peter was
puzzled with its meaning. It was only when he was called to minister to
Cornelius’ household did he understand.

2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Through our baptism, we have died and risen with Christ, participating
in the paschal mystery. We have died but are now “brought back to true
life with Christ” (v.1). Thus this new life is in Christ and the Christian is
now occupied with things of Christ, the “heavenly things” as mentioned
in the reading and no longer on temporal earthly things (cf. CCC1003).
When we focus on Christ and the heavenly things, we will be glorified
with Christ at the final resurrection at the end of time.

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Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9
The event of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead had no eye-witnesses
and what is recounted instead is the discovery of the empty tomb. All
gospels include this episode of Mary of Magdala (and other women)
going to the tomb early in the morning and finding it empty, running
to inform the disciples. The description of the empty tomb especially
that of the linen cloths, is not to be read lightly. At first reading, nothing
special seemed to have happened but the beloved disciple “saw and he
believed”. What did he see exactly that led him to believe? According
to some scholars, the Greek participle in v.6 (lying on the ground) seems
to indicate that the wrappings were flattened, deflated as if Jesus’ body
came out of them undone, unlike the situation for Lazarus where the
linen had to be undone to set him free. So it was as if Jesus’ resurrected
body passed through the linen wrappings, just like he passed through
the door of the Upper Room.

Thoughts:
The dramatic Easter Triduum celebrations of the past few days are
indeed the celebrations of the reality of our salvation – Jesus’ passion,
death and resurrection. The kerygma (literally meaning ‘proclamation’)
announces these saving mysteries and those whose hearts are moved
to conversion like Cornelius and his household, would then request for
baptism - where they die to their old sinful ways and rise to new life in
Christ.

Integral to this new life in Christ is the community of disciples, where

they worship together breaking bread and sharing lives. Being in
communion with Christ is also being in communion with his body, the
Church and this is sustained by his living, real presence on earth, the
Eucharist or otherwise known as the Body of Christ, or simply, Holy
Communion.

But aren’t we at times plagued by family troubles, office politics and

church bickering? It wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that many of these
are caused by our undue focus on earthly things and the possession of
these earthly things like material objects and power. What the second
reading reminds us is that, being raised to new life in Christ, we now
contemplate heavenly things and doing thus, we sanctify our lives, our
families, our ministries and our everyday dealings. This is when divine

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power can pierce through dying dreams and waning hopes of creating
and building communities of conviction and commitment to Christ and
his mission of love and truth.

Part of creating a community is welcoming every individual soul despite

some individuals not being exactly ‘agreeable’ to us because what God
our Father has made clean, we must not call profane. It is certainly not
easy to do so. Which is why St Francis of Assisi in his dream of creating a
fraternity, made sure that it is done so with ‘minority’ or humility. That’s
why he called his order ‘friars minor’. To live out humility is like death, a
death to self and a death to hoarding earthly things. However, this death
is done in Christ and we can be assured that we will thus rise with Christ.

So let us dream of creating a life-giving Christian community, become

witnesses of the resurrection anew, bringing what was dead to life in the
power of Jesus Christ. Let us be authentic participants of the paschal
mystery so that those who see, may believe that Christ is indeed alive
and is our reigning Lord.

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

In the paschal mystery, we celebrate the passion, resurrection and

ascension of Jesus Christ. We deepen our understanding of this mystery
by considering Jesus’ free embrace of the will of God. Are we willing
to continue dying and rising in our spiritual life in order to live as a
community in our neighbourhood? How will we do this?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

The basic Christian life is paschal. It is always in transition from death

to life, from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom. How has the
ministry lived this paschal mystery?

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For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Cornelius’ household experienced the paschal moving to a new life in

God. They opened their hearts to the kerygma. Is your family challenged
to an ongoing conversion to live Christ’s mission as a family?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

The paschal mystery dying and rising from the dead was freely chosen
by Jesus Christ. Have you freely allowed the saving power of the paschal
mystery to transform your life? In what ways has this taken place?

Take home
If the Easter Triduum is the most important celebration in the liturgical
year, clearly that tells us that the paschal mystery is the most important
aspect of our Christian life. Jesus freely chose the plan of God for our
salvation.

Doing your bit

The greatest evangelisation tool is the kerygma – Christ has died, Christ is
risen and Christ will come again. Practice proclaiming it with someone
you know is alive in the faith.

Closing Prayer
O Lord God and Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus’ life, death,
resurrection and ascension into heaven. It is a wonderful sign of your
love for us. We can never thank you enough for your concern and love
for us. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our living and risen
Lord. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 2nd Sunday of Easter
Living the
Paschal Faith

Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the gift of faith in the resurrection.
Accompany us during this time where we deepen our experiences of
your life and love. Open our minds to your love and gift so that we may
glorify you in all things. Be with us, in our midst, as we break your word
and share in your risen life. We pray in your most Holy Name, Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 5:12-16

The scene described in the first reading is reminiscent of the scenes
in the life of Jesus as described in the gospels. “Many signs and wonders
were worked among the people” (v12), indicating that the work of the Lord
in his earthly ministry continues in the lives of his apostles after his
resurrection and ascension. These signs and wonders represent the
actualisation of the promises of the Holy Spirit that Jesus made in his
life and show the reality and efficaciousness of those promises. This
reality attracted the people and the large crowds came to be healed and
responded with loud praises. One should note that even though the
crowds seemed loud and boisterous, they were there because of their
faith - in the saving power of the Lord who worked through the apostles.
As was the case in the life of Jesus, the faith of the people played an
important part of their healing, and this faith was in turn strengthened
by the signs and wonders.

2nd Reading: Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19

This striking vision of St John the Evangelist reads like one of the calls
of the Old Testament prophets but comes specifically in the name of
Jesus for whom John had preached and been a witness. He is to preach
to the seven churches of Asia (symbolised by the golden lamp-stands)
in the name of Jesus, the 'figure like a son of man'. Such a vision can be
frightening but the Lord brings comfort to John in the form of a gentle

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touch and the exhortation to not be afraid. Such is the promise that the
resurrected Lord makes to us all - that despite the challenges that we
face in following him, his constant presence is a continual source of
comfort, as it was for John. This can also be seen to be part of the mercy
that we celebrate today. The Lord calls us to be faithful and to follow
him despite the difficulties that we face and in his mercy, gives us the
same comfort and consolation that John received so that we can do his
work and encourage others as John does at the start of this reading.

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31

To call Thomas 'doubting' seems to be somewhat unjust. While he
might not have doubted or rejected the presence of the risen Lord, what
he did was to impose conditions for his own belief. He wanted physical
proof that he himself could verify, something that is not altogether
foreign to many of us in our approach to the faith. The Lord responds
with utmost mercy by meeting Thomas where he was and inviting him
to make the physical verification. Some translations of 'doubt no longer'
are rendered as 'do not become an unbeliever', indicating that Jesus
recognised Thomas' faith but gave a gentle caution to him to remain
faithful no matter the circumstances. Thomas' beautiful response is
perhaps one of the strongest pronouncements of the divinity of Jesus
and this too is possible because of the mercy that was shown to him.
The invitation to remain faithful is made to us too, who are not able to
see but our comfort comes from the promise of the Lord's presence with
us and our continual reaching out to proclaim, 'My Lord and my God'.

Thoughts:
It might seem somewhat paradoxical to suggest that incredulity is an
integral component to faith but the experience of Thomas shows that
sometimes, our own less-than-faithful responses to the Lord can be
occasions for the deepening of our faith. In many ways, Thomas was
quite modern in his approach in that he sought verification for the data
that was presented to him. This approach is very much prevalent in
our day and age; being overly empirical often leads to us to want ever
increasing levels of proof for our beliefs. To want to seek verification
of our faith like Thomas did would be challenging the very tenets of
the Lord's teaching. He reminds us that our senses are fallible and that

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we are blessed if we do not see and yet believe. A modern mind would
immediately be aware of the dangers of blind faith - so the question is,
how can one reconcile our faith with our often innate need for some
form of verification?

The answer lies in experience. Faith is not something that can be

quantified or touched but has to be experienced in the depths of our
hearts. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that his words are truth
and that his passion, death and resurrection show God our Father's love
and bring us eternal life. We know that because we've experienced love
and truth in our lives. The people who gathered around the apostles
experienced the healing and wonders that the Lord's disciples were able
to work. John was consoled by the words of the Lord. There is within all
of us an innate sense of the mystery of God our Father. This sense brings
us to experience the world and our relationships as gifts of the mystery
of God our Father, if we allow it to.

The divine mercy of the Lord ties all these threads together. The Lord
does not want us to flounder in our own disbelief or futile efforts in
trying to verify the content of our faith. The Lord makes himself present
to us - first in the incarnation and then in the ultimate act of love on the
cross. It does not end there as he continues to be present to us, as he was
with John and the other apostles, giving us the ability to discern and to
feel his love in our lives. As the experience of this mercy flowers in our
hearts, we realise that we no longer need external proof but are innately
aware of how God our Father acts in our lives, now and always.

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Communities of faith are communities of people who share the same

faith and who support the faith of one another. Our life of faith is never
quite stable and we experience the dying and rising of our spiritual life.
How can we better support those who are trying to die to their sinful
self? The disciples were with Thomas as he met with the Lord. How can
we better accompany the other members of our community to meet the
Lord?
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For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Have we encouraged one another to go through the dying and rising in

one another’s life? Do we as a community encourage someone to die to
the old self and rise to a new life in Jesus Christ? Does our ministry, with
Easter faith, continue to journey with the member who is not willing to
die to the old self?

For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Families grow in faith together by being open to the experience of the

risen Lord and his mercy and more importantly, reminding each other
about this as the disciples did for Thomas. What are the areas of disbelief
that prevent family members from growing further in the Easter faith?
How can we transform all our interactions within the family to a dying
to the old life and rising to a new life in Jesus Christ?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

Thomas was traumatised by the death of the Lord and so found it hard
to believe his brothers. Are there areas in your life that you have not
allowed the risen Lord to touch and heal?

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Take home
How am I living the paschal faith? Are there constant signs of kindness
and compassion that are signs of the risen Lord? The simple act of
sharing of one’s faith can sometimes be a sign for others to deepen their
own faith.

Doing your bit

To live the paschal faith is an intentional decision. We must choose to be
vivid examples for others to see this faith so that they will be inspired to
ask more about Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, seeing your example of obedience and emptying of yourself,
may our imitation of your acts be pleasing in your sight. Inspired by
your victory, we go to battle that is raging within, in order to overcome,
as you have overcome, the evil. May our efforts be pleasing in your sight
as we spread your love and mercy to all whom we meet, bringing your
resurrection to the lives of all. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 3rd Sunday of Easter
Beyond Routine Faith

Opening Prayer
Almighty Father, you sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles to make
them courageous witnesses of the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ.
In your plan of salvation, their proclamation has been handed on to us.
In this season of Easter, we give thanks for the gift of faith that has come
to us from the apostles. Help us also to be witnesses to the resurrection
of Christ; not only through our words but most of all, by the example of
our lives. May this Easter season help us to grow in faith. We make this
prayer through Christ and in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32, 40-41

As Jesus has completed his mission and returned to the Father,
the apostles now take up and continue his mission. The mission of
proclaiming and witnessing to the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
In this task, the apostles are assisted by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy
Spirit that gives them the courage to proclaim the story of Christ.

In the 1st reading today, we see the apostles hauled before the Sanhedrin,
who are unhappy that they have continued to preach about Christ after
they had already been given orders to stop. Tensions are high, but the
apostles show courage in the face of opposition. Peter says: ‘We must
obey God rather than men.’

Despite their ordeal, they are happy. God our Father has raised Jesus
from the dead so that all may be saved and they are witnesses to that.
This is Good News and the apostles simply cannot keep it to themselves.

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2nd Reading: Revelation 5:11-14
The Book of Revelation is one of the most puzzling and yet interesting
books of the Bible. Many have tried to decipher and interpret its
symbolic and oftentimes bizarre narratives and many more are still
trying to decipher and interpret it.

In today’s reading, John has a vision of a magnificent scene of countless

angels, four creatures and twenty-four elders giving blessing and honour
to God our Father as they surround his throne. We shouldn’t get carried
away trying to interpret the meaning of these symbols. They simply
represent the large number of believers.

Revelation presents an apocalyptic view of the world. The belief is that

there is a cosmic battle between good and evil, represented by the Lamb
and the dragon respectively. As the Christians faced persecution from
the Romans, it appears that the dragon has the upper hand, but it is the
Lamb who triumphs in the end. The risen Christ has triumphed over
evil and won salvation for all.

Gospel Reading: John. 21:1-19

In today’s Gospel, the risen Jesus appears to his disciples, but they do
not recognise him. Jesus asks them: ‘Have you caught anything, friends?’
He suggests they throw the net to the starboard side, after which they
caught one hundred and fifty-three fish. At this, they recognise Jesus. ‘It
is the Lord!’ they exclaim.

The rest of the passage focuses on Peter. Just as Peter denied Jesus three
times standing by a fire, this time, he has the opportunity to declare his
love three times, sitting by another fire. Jesus is not angry, Jesus does
not reprimand him, Jesus is fully aware of his human limitations – yet
he asks Peter to take on the role of a shepherd. ‘Feed my sheep.’ Peter can
now be a shepherd who has compassion for those whose faith is weak.

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Thoughts:
The word apostle – from the Greek apostolos – means witness. They
are witnesses to all that God our Father has done in Jesus Christ. The
proclamation of the Kingdom of God, the forgiveness of sins and most of
all, they are witnesses to the resurrection. They have experienced God
our Father’s salvation in a personal way. Now the mission of the apostles
is to share that Good News with everyone.

In the Gospel today, Jesus asks Peter and indeed, all of us, ‘do you love
me?’ Jesus is really asking, ‘who am I to you?’ If we truly love Christ, if we
have experienced salvation in him, then we are called to feed the Lord’s
sheep. Feed them? But what are they hungry for? Many people are
hungry for love. They live in loneliness, tempted by individualism, yet
at the same time, longing for community. Many people are hungry for
meaning in life. They may seek fulfilment in success and material goods
but these prove to be empty. Many people are hungry for true faith. They
see little connection between the doctrines and practices of religion and
their daily lives. If we truly love Christ, if we have experienced salvation
in him, then we are called to feed the Lord’s sheep.

The world we live in today is desperately in need of Good News – God

our Father made you, God our Father loves you, God our Father has a
purpose for you, your life matters, there is hope because God our Father
has saved you. People need this Good News today.

Jesus may be risen, but life goes on, suffering and death remain. What
has changed is the hope that we have. We are broken and sinful, like
Peter, but the resurrection of Jesus has given us meaning and hope in the
midst of suffering and death. Our mission is to share that light of hope
with others.

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Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

As a Christian community, do we go beyond what we usually do? Are

we afraid to make the changes in community routine? What areas do we
need to grow in? Where is the Lord calling the community to go?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Do you feel bored or tired with what you are doing in your ministry?
Are you beginning to feel it is the same old thing week in and week out?
The Apostles caught nothing doing the same old thing. The resurrected
Lord is asking you to change course. Do you need to do something more
or something else as a ministry to bring Easter joy to others?

For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

The experience of the resurrection changed the apostles forever. Share,

as a family, if the celebration of the resurrection has changed you. What
will you do that is different in your family?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

Easter joy and peace filled the hearts of the Apostles when they
recognised that it was the Lord. Will you be filled with joy when the
Lord asks you, ‘Do you love me?’ Who is Christ to you? What will you do
to go beyond what you have always been doing for the Lord?

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Take home
The old ways may be good but the risen Lord is offering something more
if you let go of your routine functional way of existing.

Doing your bit

Get out of your comfort zone and talk to someone in church and outside
the church about the paschal mystery.

Closing Prayer
Loving and merciful Father, we give you thanks for the gift of salvation
in your Son Jesus Christ. Through Easter you give us courage to be
witnesses of this salvation to all. May we go forth to share the hope that
the resurrection brings, especially to the many people who are hungry
today. We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 4th Sunday of Easter
Guided by the
Lord in Community

Opening Prayer
Gracious Father, you send us your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that we
may walk in hope and joy in our journey of life. Attune our hearts and
minds at this time to follow your call. Lead our steps on the right path so
that we may enjoy the light of your presence now and forever. We pray
this through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 13:14, 43-52

The readings during Easter tell us how the Apostles and disciples did not
fear contempt and bodily harm because they were loyal and obedient to
the voice of the Good Shepherd. Paul and Barnabas faithfully preach
the Gospel first to Israel as God our Father promised David so that the
Jewish people would know they have a God who fulfils specific promises
and has never forgotten his people. But time and again, the Jews reject
the message and so Paul moves on to proclaim the Good News to the
Gentiles. It is in this pattern that Paul and Barnabas go about their mission.
To this day, millions of Christians suffer persecution and martyrdom as
they continue to listen to his voice because God the Father’s intention is
for all to be brought into his kingdom. We, who carry the Word of God,
must be diligent in sharing his passion and resurrection; the rest is up
to God our Father.

2nd Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14-17

The Gentiles do not take the back seat for it has always been in God our
Father’s plan to bring all peoples into himself. Although the reading is
associated with Feast of All Saints, in the context of Easter, it speaks of
the celebration by those who now share in Jesus’ glorification having
shared in the passion of the Paschal Lamb. In this second vision, the
great multitude comprises God our Father’s faithful who come from all
the nations including the people of Israel. They have endured great trials

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of suffering and persecution and are now celebrating victory over sin.
Victory is given to them through their sharing in the paschal mystery.
Their perseverance is necessary to endure and to share in the salvation
offered by Jesus. The soiled robes representing sin are now washed clean
through Jesus’ sacrifice. The Shepherd guides his faithful to his living
waters. In baptism we, too, are made clean and are transformed through
grace in our repentance and conversion.

Gospel Reading: John 10:27-30

In the Old Testament, the image of the Shepherd is often applied to
God our Father as well as to the leaders of the people. Ezekiel 34:11-16
represents God our Father as a loving Shepherd who searches diligently
for his lost sheep and profoundly tends to them as he gathers them.
The image of Jesus as Good Shepherd and the community of followers
as his sheep speaks to us about the protection, security and care that
shepherds give to their sheep. God our Father gives us to Jesus as his
flock. This section of John 10, speaks of the sheep presently living the
rewards of eternal life while they follow and are in relationship with
God our Father. Those who listen and respond to the Word of God will
be counted among his people at the last judgment as the 2nd reading
tells us as well. The Lamb in Revelation and the Shepherd are one,
giving hope to all who are faithful because Jesus was victorious in death;
and so those who follow him will share in that ultimate victory over evil
and death.

Thoughts:
Living the risen life is about giving to God our Father in obedience.
Paul and Barnabas gave all they had even when they were rejected. The
saints over the millennia gave their lives in obedience because they
heard the Good Shepherd say: ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord
is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ (Mk 12:29-30.) They
persevered to the end and so must we.

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 Jn4:19). God our Father gave first so
we can give. What do we give? Where and how do we give? What voices
surround us and drown out the voice of our Good Shepherd? God

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our Father speaks to us in our pleasures, consciences, pain, in active
participation at Mass, scripture, etc. for God our Father acts first for us
to find him.

The root word of obedience means ‘to hear’ and so to listen is already
an act of following. We will hear the assurance of Jesus’ care that comes
from living out the personal relationship the Father offers. We all are
given opportunities in the circumstances to be shepherds in the way
Jesus has taught us. We are called to be shepherds with the heart of
Jesus and so we lay down our resources, time and presence to those in
need. When we take up our cross and lay down our lives for others, we
share in the paschal life of Jesus. Let us listen deeply.

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

As a community, do you know how to discern the will of God? Should

your community seek help in learning to do this? Communities that
have already been discerning the will of God, what has the experience
been and is the community willing to follow the discernment? Should
your community be a community of the Easter joy?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Do we follow the guidelines for our ministry that have not reviewed for
years or do we follow what Jesus our risen Lord and shepherd of our
ministry says? What obstacles stand in the way of hearing Jesus guide
our service to others?

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For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

How are we learning to be guided and formed as shepherds in our

household?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

Confusion, turmoil and tensions are often present in our minds. Despite
these, am I following the voice of the risen Lord, our Good Shepherd?

Take home
Jesus, who was raised from the dead, is the Good Shepherd who guides
each one of us to eternal life. When we are bonded by the Word of God,
the Eucharist, we are in communion with one another and our risen
Lord. We are all a part of the same flock.

Doing your bit

Who in my community needs my help to listen to God our Father? What
will I do to commit some time to this person? List ways you can bring
this person into your community (family or Christian communities you
have found at work or among friends.)

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, gracious Lord, during this Easter season we thank you
for your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who holds us in his hands
in deep and intimate relationship. Your invitation to eternal life is ever
before us in your Word and in the events of our lives. May we be faithful
and devoted followers so that we may praise and glorify you, as we walk
in joy and peace in the power of your Holy Spirit until we see you face to
face. We pray this through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 5th Sunday of Easter
Witnessing through Love

Opening Prayer
God our Father, your Son Jesus showed us how to love. Transform
our hearts to be more like him, so that we can create spaces for loving
behaviour and conversations, as individuals and as a community, so as
to experience heaven on earth. Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27

As part of their missionary work, Paul and Barnabas were travelling
through Gentile regions and received contrasting reactions to their
preaching. Despite the opposition, they persevered in their efforts and
encouraged the newly-converted to do the same. In their minds, they
were clear that hardships can be overcome because God our Father’s
grace was at work. After all, it was his intent for the Good News to be
shared beyond the Jewish people. God our Father loves the Gentiles as
well and “wills for everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth”
(1 Ti 2:4).

2nd Reading: Revelation 21:1-5

There are at least two parallels that can be drawn between this reading
and the Old Testament. In Genesis, God our Father created woman
from the rib of man, forming a union between them (Gn 2:21-24). In
this instance, the new earth as represented by Jerusalem was “born” out
of heaven. Furthermore, reminiscent of the covenant pledged between
God our Father and the Israelites (Ex 19:5), a similar relationship has
been established between the new Jerusalem and God our Father. In
this “new heaven and new earth”, God our Father is forever present
to his people. The author applies the imagery of marriage, a happy
occasion where both bride and bridegroom begin a new life together. As
bridegroom, God our Father looks after and takes care of his bride, the
people of the new Jerusalem who leave their previous lives behind them.

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Gospel: John 13:31-35
In Ex 20:1-17, God our Father gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments
to obey as part of the covenant between them, of which seven relate to
the people’s treatment of their neighbour. At the Last Supper, Christ
issued a commandment that was described as “new”, not because
the apostles were hearing it for the first time but rather because his
exhortation encompassed the earlier seven commandments and more.
It is not just about portraying specific external behaviour but entails
willing the good of the other within our hearts. The motivation to love
one another is not on the back of blind and mechanical obedience of
a law but because we are sharing the love of God our Father which we
have first received. In this way, our words and actions point towards
Christ and give glory to God our Father.

Thoughts:
Whether as children or adults, many of us struggle, to varying degrees, in
obeying instructions given to us. Sometimes, we disagree with what has
been conveyed. Other times, we question the credibility of the person
issuing the order. We might also choose to ignore because there are no
repercussions. Finally, we could have genuine difficulties in complying.

In this instance, a major obstacle hindering our ability to love is that it

often entails making deliberate decisions of self-emptying and sacrifice,
actions that do not come easy to us. Such resistance is heightened when
we encounter people whom we judge as difficult and non-deserving
of our goodness. This is because we think we know better, we end
up creating and adding conditions, complicating an otherwise simple
commandment.

So what can we do? We start by learning to be better recipients of God

our Father’s love. One thing we do not do enough is to reflect on this
gift, initiated from the time of our conception and which continues to
sustain our breath on this earth, in spite of us not having done anything
to deserve it. Similarly, our fellow brothers and sisters have been offered
this same personhood, given that they too have been created in the
image and likeness of God our Father. Notwithstanding our differences,
we all possess this same human dignity. Through such contemplation,
we might also come to recognise love that is being shown to us, which

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can be easily missed for various reasons.

Secondly, instead of relying on our own strength and will power, it

would do us good to remember that we have been empowered by God
our Father to extend his love to others. By keeping our focus on him,
he helps us to model our behaviour on Christ, the perfect example of
breaking down barriers across status, titles, occupations and all other
forms of identities with which society defines us.

“No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and
his love is brought to perfection in us.” 1 Jn 4:12

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

What are the values guiding our behaviour within the community and
with others? Are these values of the risen Lord?

What were the acts of love that we carry out as a community? Are there
further acts of love that we can carry out as a community to express our
Easter faith and joy?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

What are the signs of our love for our members and the signs of love
of our community for the risen Lord? How can we foster a sense of
belonging where members would appreciate that being part of ministry
is more than just performing specific duties and tasks?

Where do we see ourselves in relation to the other ministries in the

parish?

For Family
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Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

The risen Lord brings new life through his resurrection. In what new
ways can family members give loving witness to this reality of the new
life in Christ?

What can we do to pay more attention to each family member?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

As we celebrate in this Easter season we ought to live the new life that
the risen Lord offers to us. What are some of my personal prejudices and
biases that prevent me from reaching out to people different from me,
that I must put behind me?

Take home
Be a witness of the love of the risen Lord by intentionally witnessing
through love.

Doing your bit

Think of new acts of love that you can show to those around you and
those who are seemingly indifferent to you in Church, in the office, at
work and in the school.

Closing Prayer
God our Father, enlightened and graced by your Word, we desire to be
your witnesses of love through our words and actions. May the Easter
reality burning in our hearts spur us further to be a witness of your love
to all that we meet. Let our actions be pleasing to our risen Lord and
Saviour and to you. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 6th Sunday of Easter
Being One in the
Lord in Community

Opening Prayer
Risen Lord, in our midst, empower us as we gather as a community
of believers. Let your presence guide and bless us as we search the
Scriptures. Enlighten us, Lord, as we ponder on your Word for the
journey. We make this prayer in your name, Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 15:1-2, 22-29

The first church council was called because some Jewish Christians
were insisting that Gentiles converts must be circumcised according
to the Mosaic Law while Paul and Barnabas did not agree that the
circumcision was compulsory for salvation.

The council came to agreement (in verses 6 – 21 not cited in today’s

periscope): “Gentiles need not be circumcised but was asked to abstain from
food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meat of strangled animals and from
fornication.” (v 29)

The decision by the early church leaders is a witness to the power of

the Spirit at work in the community to bring about resolution to its
problem. The early community encountered the risen Lord in the midst
of attempts to build and unify the church.

2nd Reading: Revelation 21:10, 22 -22:5

The Book of Revelation was probably written after the Temple in
Jerusalem had been destroyed. In John’s vision, the temple is not in
a specific physical location in the city. The whole city is the Temple
of God. God our Father’s divine presence in the city is presented in
similar images as that found in Isaiah 60: 1-20. However, in the Book of
Revelation the vision of Isaiah is fulfilled in the divine presence shared
between God our Father and the Lamb and the close relationship with

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humans. All the inhabitants of the heavenly city are holy and blessed
for they have the water and the tree of life to nourish and sustain them
forever.

Gospel Reading: John 14:23-29

The disciples of Jesus are affirmed that those who love him are in an
intimate relationship not only with Jesus but also with his Father. There
is no longer any distance between God our Father and the community as
God our Father comes to make a ‘home’ in all who love. This indwelling
of God our Father in the community is powered by the Spirit of Jesus
who will continue to guide and lead reminding them of Jesus’ words
and deeds.

Thoughts:
The poem ‘Death of a Hired Man’, by Robert Frost brings to the forefront
the ever-growing tension of the modern way of looking at life, where
economies of scales and profit-making oftentimes take precedence over
compassionate action in favour of the weak and the downtrodden. In
the poem we have two points of view, that of the husband who stands
for reason, utilitarianism and mind and that of his wife, who stands for
empathy, compassion and heart. A conversation unfolds between them
at the end of the day at their farmhouse porch when Warren returns
home. Mary speaks of their former hired man, Silas, who has returned
to them. Warren wants nothing to do with him because Silas had
disappointed him when he needed his help at harvest time. His wife
on the other hand, sees the man’s need for help and overlooks his past.
There is a poignant line in the poem that clinches the poem, ‘Home is
where when you have to go there, they have to take you in’. This is Mary’s
definition of homecoming and hospitality. One does not have to earn
nor deserve a homecoming. It is given, free and without charge.

Christian communities must mirror this inclusiveness if we are genuine

about wanting to be in communion with Jesus. The life of Jesus reflected
a wonderful openness to all persons, outcasts, sinners, women, the weak
and the downtrodden. No one was excluded from his table fellowship.

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We see it in the readings presented to us for the 6th Sunday of Easter.
It is perceived in the willingness to stay open to be guided by the Holy
Spirit that the early council came together in love to support a common
decision for the good of all in the Acts of the Apostles. We read about it in
the vision of John – the presence of God our Father and the Lamb filling
all of the holy city - in the 2nd reading from the Book of Revelation.
In the Gospel reading, we see Jesus’ assurance of God our Father’s
indwelling presence when He invites his disciples to build community.

How do we measure the genuineness of our Christian communities?

Coretta Scott King, the peace and social activist says, ‘The greatness of a
community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its
members’.

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Does unforgiveness hinder us from being one with the Lord? Are there
other obstacles that prevent us from truly sharing the Easter joy with
others?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

To be one with the risen Lord is to be one with others in the ministry.
Identify one area in your ministry where you can live the mystery and
reality of your baptism with other ministry members.

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For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Prayer and common spiritual activity help us be one with the Lord.
What ways can you improve, as a family, in prayer and common spiritual
action to live the reality of the resurrection of the Lord?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

How can I grow in my awareness of the God our Father who dwells
within me? How can I be more mindful of the presence of the Holy in
all of creation?

Take home
The Christian community centred on Christ grows in communion
with one another and opens out in compassionate action towards all,
including our planet Earth.

Doing your bit

‘In imitation of our Master, we Christians are called to confront the poverty of
our brothers and sisters, to touch it, to make it our own and to take practical
steps to alleviate it’. – Pope Francis
Speak to a person whom you know is carrying a burden in the heart.
Spend some time with that person over a few weeks talking about this
burden and help in any way you can. If there is a need and if possible,
point the person to a professional for assistance.

Closing Prayer
Father, we are to be joy-filled Christians, open to your presence in us and
in our world. May all our words and deeds reflect the compassionate
face of our risen Saviour. In all things, may we strive to remain in our
risen Lord so as to continue to give glory to you, Father, as we should. We
make this prayer in your name. Amen.
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 7th Sunday of Easter
Living in the City of God

Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for revealing the Father to us and for
the gift of unity and love. We thank you for the promise of eternal life
when we remain united to you and the Father. Be with us and help us to
be open to the Holy Spirit that we may hear what you want us to do in
order to be better witnesses to you and the Father in the world. We make
this prayer in your holy name. Amen.

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts 7:55-60

Stephen’s martyrdom situated within the Easter season looks odd, as
this is the time the Church celebrates resurrection. Stephen was one
of the seven men with good reputation and filled with the Holy Spirit
and wisdom to help take care of the Hellenistic community in the early
church. Stephen’s story is read during the Christmas and Easter season
as a reminder of the paschal mystery - that as disciples of Jesus Christ
witnessing the Good News to all, we cannot forget the cross. It is there
that we see the final fulfilment of God our Father’s plan just as Stephen
saw the ‘heavens thrown open’ and the ‘Son of Man standing at the right
hand of God’.

2nd Reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

The fulfilment of God our Father’s plan of salvation is not an
individualistic act. This reading from the Book of Revelation alluded to
it. The fulfilment of the salvation is an act of gathering. Those who have
been redeemed, those who are seeking for the water of life are invited
to gather together so that all may be restored and be satiated. Jesus
identifies himself as the “Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the
beginning and the end.” (v 13). He is coming to judge the world and to
those who are righteous and holy, he will give the life-giving water. With

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the promise of the Lord to be with us, it gives us the confidence that we
are part of a greater plan as long as we keep Jesus Christ as our centre.

Gospel Reading: John 17:20-26

The Fourth Gospel was written in a setting that was much like ours today
– a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicity. The early Christian community
was not only made up of the Jews who became Christians but others
such as the Hellenists, the Samaritans as well as other Gentiles. John’s
Gospel was written for a group that the scholars termed as the ‘Johannine
Community’. This community had a good number of the Hellenists, the
Hellenistic Jews and Samaritans. They would not have shared similar
attitudes toward Judaism as the Hebrew Christians. Hence, the text on
Jesus’ last discourse on unity and oneness is especially poignant to bring
home the message of oneness in salvation.

Thoughts:
Our understanding of salvation is not just ‘God and I’ but ‘God, others
and I’. This means that God our Father wants to gather all peoples to
dwell in eternal love with the Holy Trinity. When we look at the salvation
history presented in the bible, we see how God our Father selected
a single people, making them as a visible sign of his salvific plan. In
the gathering of this people, the bible gives account of the continuous
actions of God our Father moulding and pruning the people to be that
beacon for the other nations.

God our Father wants to save us as a people not in a vacuum but in

a place. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”
highlighted this space in which God our Father wishes to save us.

‘The new Jerusalem, the holy city, is the goal towards which all of
humanity is moving. It is curious that God’s revelation tells us that
the fullness of humanity and of history is realized in a city.” (EG#71)

Therefore, it is really not about running away from our lives to look
for God in some remote places but to live our lives centred on God our
Father as a witness to others. Throughout the salvation history, we see
that it was not the intention of God our Father to take the selected people
away from the mire and sufferings of the world. Instead, he chose to be
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with the people by having Jesus Christ dwell among his children as a
human being. Jesus Christ continues the action of gathering while on
earth, showing the people the way back to God our Father.

To his disciples, Jesus Christ not only gathered them as a community, but
also showed them how to live a life centred on God our Father. However,
such a way of living is often contrary to the ways of the world. Hence,
Jesus Christ taught that, in order to be his disciples, we are to take up
the cross and follow him (c.f. Mt 16:24). Stephen in this week’s reading
is a reminder to us of the cost of discipleship and not to shirk from our
responsibility of doing the will of God our Father.

As we go about celebrating resurrection and new life in this season of

Easter, we continue to strive to witness to the love of God our Father as
a community to others. This is especially so in cities where loneliness
and despair loom. We, the gathered people, the disciples of Jesus Christ,
ought to offer glimpses of the Kingdom of God – God’s city where justice,
peace and joy flourish.

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

The willingness to share the stories of Jesus’ love and compassion

must be part of our new life this Easter. When there is deep joy, no one
needs to be told to share it. The sharing will be spontaneous. Is your
community willing to share this Easter joy?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

To live in the city of God, one needs to have the attitude of a citizen of
heaven. What are the attitudes that your ministry has and what are the
attitudes that need to be cultivated?

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For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

New life is given at Easter. To live in the city of God, we need to live this
new life given through the paschal mystery. What are the attitudes that
the family can adopt to be citizens of heaven?

For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

Do I embody the attitudes of justice, peace and joy and allow our Lord
to rule in my life?

Take home
In our lives justice, peace and joy should prevail. Living these we witness
together and point others to the Kingdom of God.

Doing your bit

Plan an outreach to an aged home or visit home bound neighbours and
share with them the joy of Easter. When you next meet in your group,
share with others how the visit(s) speak to your understanding of the
Kingdom of God and what you have learned from the visits.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for reminding us to be like Stephen who
professed his faith fearlessly. We thank you for preparing a place for
us in your City. We thank you for gifts of unity and love between our
families, communities, ministries and the Church. May our unity and
love become more and more like the unity and love between you and
your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit so that we can be an effective witness
to the world. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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 Pentecost Sunday
Submissive to the Holy Spirit

Opening Prayer
We call upon St Augustine to intercede for us as we recall his prayer to
the Holy Spirit:
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
(Saint Augustine)

Readings:

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1 – 11

By the way that Luke notes the arrival of the day of Pentecost, he marks
it as a key event in salvation history. Pentecost, the Feast of the First-
fruits, was a most appropriate time for the Spirit to come.

It was closely connected with Passover, just as the Spirit's coming

would be associated with the saving events of the Lord's crucifixion and
exaltation. The feast celebrated the first produce of the Promised Land,
Israel's inheritance, just as the Spirit is the "first fruits" of the salvation
blessings to the believer.

God the Father’s plan was fulfilled in the receiving of the Holy Spirit
through the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, empowering the early
Church to bear witness to Christ and his gospel.

2nd Reading: Romans 8:8 - 17

Chapter 7 of Romans ends with a very desperate cry for deliverance and
a brief summary of the nature of that deliverance, where Jesus Christ is
to be the Saviour.

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Paul will explain, as presented in our 2nd reading, the nature of God our
Father’s provision for our deliverance. The verses here are some of the
most encouraging words in all of the Bible. Do you desire to serve God
our Father and to obey his commands and yet find it impossible to do
so? If you have come to that point of despair of which Paul speaks, then
you have come to the point of dependence upon God our Father.

Gospel Reading: John 14:15 - 16, 23 - 26

Love for Christ on the part of believers is to be manifested in obedience
to his commands. While the commands of Jesus and his teachings may
be many, for John, the Evangelist, they are carried out ultimately in the
context of a single command, that is, to love one another as Jesus himself
loved us. Therefore, love for Jesus reaches its fullest expression as we
love our brothers and sisters as he commanded.

But we need all the strength and power to put this into practice and life,
where the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, comes to help us. The Spirit is the
‘helper’ of the disciples in whatever they need to be or do in God our
Father's plan. In this sense, he will do what Christ did for them but he
will also do it differently, that is, from within.

Thoughts:
Pentecost is the celebration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It marks the
beginning of the new covenant and the birth of the public life of the
church.

Our 1st reading relates the events of the coming of the Holy Spirit as a
great manifestation of God our Father’s power. The speaking in different
tongues that were understood by all the Jews who came to Jerusalem
for the celebration of the feast of Pentecost was a miracle. It was a clear
manifestation of the mission of the universal church. It is a call for the
church to be a sign of human unity. This is irrespective of race, color or
language.

In the 2nd reading, Paul reminds us of the fact that an indelible mark
has been placed upon us. Hence, we have been specially configured for
God our Father’s mission. This means that it is the Holy Spirit that gives
life and directs our mission.
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Today’s gospel reminds us of the principal roles of the Holy Spirit. These
include: advocating, teaching and reminding us of the things we ought
to know. However, for this to be possible, we must be ready to cooperate
with him. He can only advocate for us if we trust him and allow him
to be in charge of our case. He can only teach us if we pay attention to
his counsel. He can only remind us of the things we ought to know, if
we humbly and willingly say to him all the time: “Help me because I am
ignorant. Enlighten the eyes of my mind, O Holy Spirit.”

Reflections:

For Small Christian Communities

We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Has the Easter celebrations prepared us to be submissive to the Holy

Spirit? Is our community ready for another new beginning with the
Holy Spirit? What steps do we need to take in order to be ready for the
Holy Spirit?

For Ministry
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

Does your ministry earnestly and honestly pray for the Spirit’s guidance
in your meetings? Do the members recognise the promptings of the
Holy Spirit and submit to the directions of the Holy Spirit?

For Family
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.

The human experience of suffering, pain and fear of death makes the
paschal mystery a reality in one’s life. When this reality is embraced,
it is possible to submit to the Holy Spirit. Do we encourage this in our
family?

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For Individual
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?

After pondering on the paschal mystery, am I convinced that I need to

submit to the Holy Spirit?

Take home
To live the Christian life that is pleasing to our Father is to be submissive
to the Holy Spirit.

Doing your bit

Having reflected on the paschal mystery these last few weeks, bring a
friend to visit a church and explain or share what the Catholic faith is
about through this visit.
Invite someone you know who is searching for God to the next available
RCIA journey.

Closing Prayer
Father, we thank you for revealing your love to us through our risen
Lord. You empower us through the Holy Spirit to live a life worthy of
your calling. May we use the gifts that you have given us to build your
kingdom through your grace to us each day. For yours is the Kingdom,
the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

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My Easter Reflection Journal

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Appendix - Activities
Merry Easter everyone! After a meaningful season of Lent, we rejoice in
Christ’s glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

To celebrate the joy of Easter, here are some activities that you can work
on with your family, ministries or communities to witness to the love
of God our Father, Jesus our Saviour and Lord and the Holy Spirit, our
wonderful advocate and counsellor.

Paschal Candle
One of the most important Christian symbols of Easter is the paschal
candle, which is lit every year at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. At
the beginning of the Easter Vigil, a new fire is lit, from which we in turn
light the paschal candle. The paschal candle is carried in procession
into the darkened church, signifying the light of Christ that dispels the
darkness.

The paschal candle remains in the sanctuary on its special stand

throughout the season of Easter. After Pentecost, the candle is placed
next to the baptismal font and is used to light all baptismal candles
throughout the year.

The paschal candle is adorned with several elements, each having its
own significance in our faith. These elements are:
• The cross in the centre.
• The Greek letters Alpha and Omega, illustrating that God is the
beginning and the end.
• The current year, which represents God in the present, amidst the
congregation.
• Five grains of incense embedded in the candle, representing the 5
wounds of Jesus Christ.

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 Figure 1: The paschal candle we
made as a family for Easter last
year

A DIY paschal candle is a great activity to work on together. It is relatively

simple to make your own paschal candle. All you will need are:
• a tall pillar candle
• markers / paints or print-out stickers of the cross, the Alpha and
Omega symbols and the numerals for the current year
• washi tape or markers or paints for the borders on the top and
bottom
• any extra embellishments like stickers

You can buy a cylinder candle from the church bookstore. Get some
decorative washi tape for the border and print out the cross, numbers
and Greek symbols to match. You can either draw these elements on
with a marker or print them on an A4 size label sheet and cut them
out. Finally, add some gem stickers as decorations for the 5 grains of
incense. For the Greek letters, you can find them under the font entitled
“Symbol” in MS Word or PowerPoint.

You can find a printable version of the artwork to make the paschal
candle at this website: www.hellofaithsteps.wordpress.com

Please do note that this size is meant for a candle approximately 22cm
tall. You might have to adjust the dimensions for a candle of a different
size.

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Easter Finger Puzzle
Remember those finger puzzles we used to play with when we were
children?

You can find a printable version in this website www.hellofaithsteps.com.

All you need to do is print it on a sheet of A4 paper, fold and you’re ready
to play! All instructions can be found there as well.

To play, first pick a picture from one of the corners and spell out the
corresponding word while opening and closing the puzzle with your
fingers. When you have finished spelling the word, pick one of the
numbers you can see and again open and close the puzzle while counting
up to the number you have picked. Finally, you pick a number from 1 to
4, open the flap and read what is in the segment of the corresponding
number:
1. Number 1: a quiz question,
2. Number 2: a Bible verse,
3. Number 3: a suggested activity
4. Number 4: a prayer.

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For Small Christian Communities /
Ministry

Celebrating Diversity
Adapted from Catechist’s Journey by Darcy Osby

On Pentecost, the Apostles did not just proclaim the Good News; they
proclaimed it in languages they did not even know, to people who had
gathered in Jerusalem from all over the world. Pentecost celebrates the
diversity and unity of the global Church.

Highlight the diversity of your own parish / small Christian communities

/ ministry by hosting a pot-luck where people are invited to bring a dish
representing their family’s ethnic origin.

Hang signs saying, “Come, Holy Spirit!” in many different languages.

The focus should be on our unity—that there are many parts to one
Body and many gifts but the same Spirit.

For Family
• Celebrate Easter with mass on Easter Vigil together with family
members and friends. Then have a family lunch or dinner together.
• Make Sunday meals special during Eastertime by singing a verse or
reciting a verse of the Easter Song.
• Walk around the neighbourhood, looking for signs of new life.
• Make a nine-day novena prayer to the Holy Spirit from Ascension
Thursday to Pentecost Sunday.
• Decorate a small Easter tree of your own / family with friendship
eggs and ribbons of many colors. Hang an egg in gratitude for each
gift you have received this Easter season.

For those who need care and concern

• Take special interest in those in your circle who are at crossroads in
their life in terms of following what gives them life (the truth).
• Encourage another who might feel torn when choosing the way of
peace.
• Invite members who have left church to celebrate Easter with you or
your family or your community.

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• Be a light to those on the fringe economically or socially. Others may
look at us and think we are “un-cool” but we take an interest in them
as God our Father loves them.

For the newly baptised:

• Reach out to encourage a newly baptised to continue on the journey
of faith.
• Make prayer cards and write down your prayer each day for the
newly baptised. Make your prayer cards into a garland and give it to
him/her on Pentecost Sunday.

For the non-baptised:

• Note 2 or 3 points in your personal faith journey that can be ready
topics for encouraging a non-believer to consider Christ.

Ideas for Sundays during Easter

1. Easter Sunday - Celebrate Easter with mass on Easter Vigil together
with family members and friends.
2. Divine Mercy Sunday - Pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and remember
especially those who are sick. Attend the ‘Jesus for Everyone’ Easter
event (“Hope in the City”) with non-baptised friend(s) on 27 April
2019.
3. 3rd Sunday of Easter – Pay a special tribute to someone who has
helped you grow in your faith by writing a letter of appreciation and
delivering it to her/him.
4. World Day of Prayer for Vocations - Choose and pray for a priest in
the archdiocese for 365 days from this Vocation Sunday.
5. Mother’s Day - Pray the Rosary in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God and pray especially for mothers.
6. 6th Sunday of Easter - Make a nine days novena prayer to the Holy
Spirit from Ascension Thursday to Pentecost Sunday.
7. World Communication Day - Proclaim the good news that God
never ceases to be a Father in any situation or with regard to any
person. Let us learn to communicate trust and hope.
8. Pentecost Sunday – Put on a red attire. Red is the liturgical color of
Pentecost, symbolising the Holy Spirit’s arrival as tongues of fire. Go
through your wardrobe and find red clothes to wear to church on
Pentecost Sunday to join in the celebration!
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Acknowledgements

Writer & Editorial Team

Agnes Ngou
Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ong
Anthony Ng
Rev. Fr. Derrick Yap, OFM
Daphne Leong
Rev. Fr. Gerard Louis, CSsR
Isabel Ho
Rofina Tham
Sara Wee
Sch. Stanley Goh, SJ
Sr Susan Thomas
Rev. Fr. Terence Pereira

Translations:
Archdiocesan Commission for the Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking
(ACAMS)
Archdiocesan Commission for Tamil-speaking (ACTS)

Cover Illustration:
Ira Thomas
www.catholicworldart.com

Designer:
Victor Teh

Printer:
Naili Print Media Private Limited

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Notes

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